ARKeX

ARKeX is a name synonymous with the most advanced airborne gravity gradiometry technology available, technology that is delivering remarkable advances in the knowledge and understanding of the subsurface.

History
ARKeX finds its roots in two organisations from which it is a double spin out. The technology started as a research project conducted by Oxford Instruments Superconductors (a British manufacturer of scientific instruments), working on a European Space Agency project to develop a space-based gradiometer.

Through collaboration between OI and ARK Geophysics (a specialist in gravity geophysics), there came the realisation that a new exploration tool was possible, one that would deliver clear, accurate surveys from the air with compelling cost, speed and environmental advantages.
Between 2002 and 2005, and with early support from Shell, Anadarko Petroleum and Amerada Hess ARKeX began to prove the value of the technology. The success of early trials and commercial projects since the beginning of 2005 has seen ARKeX secure further funding and a growing range of customers.

The initial emphasis on the Oil and Gas markets reflects the fact that, whilst the mining sector has been an early adopter of gravity gradiometry, Oil and Gas is a market to which the advantages will deliver significant, new benefits.

Services
- Enhancing the efficiency of the entire exploration phase
- Combine the capabilities of the technology with the proprietary technology of ARKeX and our unique team of specialists and the result is a new offering to mineral, oil and gas explorationists.

Surveys
The service provided by ARKeX delivers an integrated data package over the survey area from the gravity gradiometer, gravimeter, magnetic gradiometer and the LIDAR (digital terrain mapping). This provides regional and detailed exploration information and enables much improved processing and interpretation.

Feasibility modelling and survey planning
ARKeX has developed proprietary tools for feasibility modelling and survey planning to ensure that surveys are optimised for geologic objectives. Essential to the planning process, ARKeX staff work closely with the client to ensure that the value of information from a gradiometry survey is maximised.

Processing
Specialists in low noise instrumentation, ARKeX has pioneered advanced processing algorithms that provide a significant noise reduction in acquired data. Applicable to both new and previously acquired data our unique processing algorithms increase the resolution and usefulness of the data.

Interpretation
ARKeX has designed specialist software tools to assist in the interpretation of gravity gradient data. Full tensor inversion software maximises the benefit of such data, whilst integrating seamlessly with standard seismic interpretation packages. Using its highly trained staff and consultants, ARKeX ensures that maximum benefit is obtained from the data.